State of the Air

For 27 years, the American Lung Association has analyzed data from official air quality monitors to compile the "State of the Air" report. The more you learn about the air you breathe, the more you can protect your health and take steps to make the air cleaner and healthier. 

Children running around outside
 

What's the State of Your Air?

Report Cards

Find grades and rankings for cleanest and most polluted places to live.

Cleanest Cities

See the cleanest cities and learn more about how your city ranks.

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Most Polluted Cities

See the 25 most polluted cities and counties for ozone and particle pollution ranked.

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States and Counties

Get the report card for your state's air quality, and the number of people in groups at risk.

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Compare Your Air

Find out how your city measures up when it comes to air pollution.

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Key Findings

Nearly half of children in the U.S. live in places with unhealthy levels of air pollution.

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Health Impact of Air Pollution

Ozone and particle pollution are the most widespread pollutants—and among the most dangerous. Learn more about how they affect the body, and which groups of people are most at risk.

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Recommendations for Action

Find actions you can take to keep your family safe from unhealthy air, reduce pollution and support clean-up efforts.

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Shared Stories

We all have a reason to champion clean air. People just like you have shared some personal stories that highlight the need for healthy, safe air. Read the stories they have shared or share your own.

quotation marks Alex

Alex

My name is Alex, and I’m an ambulatory clinical pharmacist working with Phoenix children and families to help them better understand the risks of unhealthy air and take appropriate steps to prevent severe asthma attacks. READ MORE

quotation marks Cathey

Cathey

I work as a clinic nurse at an elementary school in downtown Houston, Texas. I live in the suburbs, and as I drive into work each day, I see the brown haze that hangs over the city center. READ MORE

quotation marks Colton

Colton

I need clean air because I have asthma, so pollution makes it tough for me to breathe.  READ MORE

Download PDF

Get the print version of the 2026 "State of the Air" report.

 

About This Report

"State of the Air" has a 27-year history and a time-tested methodology. Learn more about this annual national air quality "report card."

 

For The Media

Journalists can access press releases, experts available for interviews, b-roll, the full "State of the Air" report and more.